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Ron Rivera talked to reporters again after yesterday’s huge announcement that Dwayne Haskins Jr. was getting benched, Kyle Allen was the new starter, and Alex Smith moves up to the #2 QB. The big update on the injury front was that Chase Young has returned to practice after missing the last game and a half with a groin injury.
Rivera called Allen’s status as starter a game-to-game situation, and talked about the next four games of the schedule.
“If he takes what’s given to him and manages the game, he can be very efficient.”
He highlighted Allen’s intelligence, vision and the ability to make the big play when it’s there. Rivera was impressed with the young QB when he came to the Panthers as an UDFA. He also mentions that the “guys got behind him” and support their new starting QB.
Alex Smith could have had one leg after complications and infections hospitalized and almost killed him. Instead he is now one snap away from playing in an NFL game again. Rivera reiterated that he doesn’t have any issues with playing Smith after his rehabilitation and clearance from team doctors. He hasn’t had a lot of reps as the inactive #3 QB this year, but he will get more now as the backup.
Press Conference: Ron RiveraHead Coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media
Posted by Washington Football Team on Thursday, October 8, 2020
Injury Report:
Washington's injury report Thu:
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) October 8, 2020
DNP
TE Marcus Baugh (non-injury)
RG Wes Schweitzer (elbow)
WR Steven Sims (toe)
CB Greg Stroman (foot)
Limited
WR Dontrelle Inman (foot)
WR Terry McLaurin (thigh)
DE Chase Young (groin)
Full
DT Jonathan Allen (knee)
LB Cole Holcomb (knee)
Chase Young:
Rivera said that Chase Young's movement was good today and that he "did some good things."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 8, 2020
Said they'll see how he feels tomorrow morning.
Rivera said Chase Young looked good and was able to move around today. He's looking forward to seeing how Young looks for the rest of the week.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 8, 2020
Alex Smith:
Rivera said that Alex Smith has not had many reps as the No. 3 quarterback, so he's still working back. He'll get some more reps as the backup.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 8, 2020
Rivera reiterated he has no trepidations putting Alex Smith on the field if he needs to.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 8, 2020
Rivera said he has been impressed with Alex Smith's progress. Seeing him out there the past couple of weeks "has been outstanding."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 8, 2020
On Alex Smith. If the new approach is about trying to win now, I asked why not go with Smith over Allen. Rivera said Smith needs the practice reps, but reiterates he would no issue playing the vet if needed.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 8, 2020
Kyle Allen:
Rivera time.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 8, 2020
Says Kyle Allen’s starter status is a game-to-game situation. Again mentioned the very interesting next quarter of the schedule.
Rivera on QB Kyle Allen: "If he takes what's given to him and manages the game, he can be very efficient."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 8, 2020
Highlighted Allen's intelligence, vision and the ability to make the big play when it's there.
Rivera has been impressed with the way Allen has been able to play without many reps. If he can stay in his progressions, he said, Allen can move the ball.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 8, 2020
Rivera on his initial Kyle Allen thoughts. The QB arrived in Carolina as a UDFA which means bottom of the depth chart. "Without a lot of reps he knew what was happening.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 8, 2020
Rivera on Allen: He's tough as nails, he doesn't say much and he does his job.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 8, 2020
Rivera thought Kyle Allen was "very efficient" in practice today and that "the guys got behind him." Said that Allen prefers to lead by example.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 8, 2020
3rd down defense:
Rivera said that @WashingtonNFL's defense needs to be better on third down.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 8, 2020
"Third down isn't as good as Jack [Del Rio] would like it to be."
Rivera said the defense has to be better at third down. It isn't as good as Jack Del Rio would want it, he said. Of course, that means the team must do better on first and second down, but third down is an area he wants to see improve.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 8, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
I asked Ron Rivera about this report. He did not want to expand on it, saying he wanted to move forward and that they addressed the benching/reasons why yesterday. https://t.co/BDRPwPD8gR
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) October 8, 2020
Rams offense:
Rivera said he wants to get the Rams in third-and-long situations so their play action passes are less effective. He said they have to do a really good job of stopping the run and keeping the QB contained.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 8, 2020
Rivera emphasized the importance of limiting the Rams' offense on first and second down and forcing third-and-longs. That will require the defense to limit the Rams' three-headed rushing attack.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 8, 2020